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1999 v 2008

We compare Man United's Champions League winners of nine years ago with the current side.

By Chris Harvey

Last Updated: 22/05/08 8:24am

Manchester United's treble winners of 1998-99 have gone down as one of the greatest sides in the club's history but after their dramatic victory in Moscow over Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson's class of 2008 will now draw comparison with the side that beat Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou in 1999. Skysports.com's Chris Harvey runs the rule over the two sides.

WINNERS 1999

PETER SCHMEICHEL: The giant Dane, then 35, had already announced he was to leave Old Trafford after the final. Arguably not at his peak but still among the planet's top keepers. 9 (out of 10)

GARY NEVILLE: Even at 24, Neville had the experience of several seasons and at his energetic best on the right flank. 8

RONNY JOHNSEN: Injuries kept his career at the top level brief, but the Norwegian was a classy, composed performer when fit. 7

JAAP STAM: The Dutch giant was consistently immense during the treble season, combining physical presence with good positioning and organisational skills. 8

DENIS IRWIN: Mr Consistency. Unspectacular but as solid as they come at left-back. 7

DAVID BECKHAM: Victory in Barcelona was just reward after his vilification for that red card against Argentina a year earlier. Partnership with Neville was sensational that season, but struggled in the final after being asked to play more centrally. 8

NICKY BUTT: Thrust into the centre of midfield in the absence of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, Butt failed to exert the same influence, as throughout his Old Trafford career. 6

RYAN GIGGS: By 1999 he had added maturity to his brilliant armoury and was one of the key players in United's run to the final. 9

JESPER BLOMQVIST: Not at Giggs' level but a pacy threat on the right. Like Johnsen, injury severely limited his time at the top. 6

ANDY COLE: Revered by some, laughed at by others, Cole's predatory finishing saw him end the season with 24 goals as his partnership with Dwight Yorke flourished. 8

DWIGHT YORKE: The skilful Trinidadian was in brilliant form that year and excelled alongside Cole and Beckham, who provided much of his ammunition. 8

SUBSTITUTES: The key to the Camp Nou triumph, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer famously came off the bench to score the last-gasp goals that defeated Bayern Munich. 9

WINNERS 2008

EDWIN VAN DER SAR: Even older than Schmeichel was at 37 but is a reassuring presence in goal. The first comparable United keeper since the Dane left the club has been among the Premier League's best stoppers this term. 8

WES BROWN: Not always convincing at right-back but he has filled in admirably in Neville's injury-enforced absence this season. 6

RIO FERDINAND: Is there a better centre-back in the world at the moment? Fast, composed, strong and comfortable on the ball, Ferdinand has matured into the complete defender. 9

NEMANJA VIDIC: Not as polished as Ferdinand but equally effective, the Serb has formed a world-class double act with the Englishman. 8

PATRICE EVRA: No Premier League full-back makes such penetrative attacking runs and he is an unsung hero of United's attacking game. Increasingly solid in defence. 8

PAUL SCHOLES: Not the goal threat he once was but still the heartbeat of the United midfield. Just don't ask him to tackle. 8

MICHAEL CARRICK: The rise of Anderson this season has overshadowed the strides made by Carrick, who has added a new toughness to his range of passing. 7

OWEN HARGREAVES: Injuries have prevented him from fulfilling his potential since last summer's move from Bayern, but he is always a steady presence and dangerous from set-pieces. 7

CARLOS TEVEZ: Deadly with the ball, a downright pain in the backside for the opposition without it. Works tirelessly and must be the best defensive striker in the game. 8

WAYNE ROONEY: Would be the undoubted star of most teams given his clinical finishing, spectacular shooting, physical strength and dogged determination. 8

CRISTIANO RONALDO: If he rejects the Spanish overtures, the fleet-footed Portuguese will lay claim to becoming the greatest player in Premier League history. At his best, unstoppable. 9